Dipel

Dipel is a product used to control caterpillars.

It is approved for use in organic gardening. It is made from naturally occurring bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis) and is safe on bees, ladybirds, birds, fish, mammals and pets.

Dipel has no withholding period: vegies, fruit and salad ingredients can be washed and eaten immediately after spraying.

There are several ways to prevent caterpillar damage and to deal with infestations, read more here.

In case of a serious infestation thoroughly mix in the 5 litre spray-can

• 1/2 sachet of Dipel powder
• 1 dash of liquid soap
• 5 liters of water

Spray the foliage – both on the top and underside of the leaf. After the caterpillar eats the treated foliage it stops eating but it may take up to 3-4 days to die and drop off. Therefore, it should not be sprayed if rain is due and should be resprayed on dry leaves after rain.

Important notes on using the spray

• make sure you mix and dissolve the ingredients in the spray-can
• never spray in bright sunlight because this will burn the leaves and cause more damage than it helps. Spray in the late afternoon
• don’t spray too late in the day. The leaves need to dry off before nightfall, otherwise you are inviting in spores fungi by offering a humid night environment. Spray in the late afternoon
• spraying needs to be done consistently, once per week and after every serious rainfall until the caterpillar problem is in control
• make a note in the garden log book about what you applied and where, so following gardeners know where to pick up the work
• always rinse the spray-can and its hose. It’s hard to fix it, if it gets clogged up